Famed Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun had been removed from a film project just two months before his apparent suicide.
The late “Parasite” star was slated to appear in the forthcoming drama “No Way Out,” a dark comedy surrounding the contract killing of a man who was just released from prison after serving 13 years, but agreed to depart filming in light of the police investigation surrounding his suspected drug use, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
“Following an unfortunate incident last week with the actor Lee Sun-kyun, he expressed that it would take a considerable amount of time to sort out the current situation and that he will inevitably drop out” from shooting the project, a statement from the film’s producer, Studio X+U, said in an October statement.
“The company reached an agreement with Lee’s agency and respects the actor’s position. Shooting will continue as scheduled, and there will be no further delay.”
Sun-kyun had two other projects waiting for release: “Project Silence” and “Land of Heaven.”
The “Kingmaker” actor was discovered unresponsive in a car park in Seoul, South Korea, on Tuesday. He was 48. He was declared dead at the scene.
The “My Mister” star had a charcoal briquette next to his person, which suggests he died from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
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An official cause of death has not been confirmed.
In the months leading up to his death, Sun-kyun had been questioned by police for his alleged use of marijuana, ketamine and other illicit substances, though he vehemently denied it.
The “All About My Wife” actor had been accused of ingesting drugs as recently as last Saturday at the residence of a hostess employed by a high-end bar in Seoul, per Yonhap News Agency.
The actor claimed the woman tricked him into taking drugs and he had no idea what he had ingested. He also alleged that he was being blackmailed.
His original drug tests all reportedly came back negative, including one conducted by the National Forensic Service last month.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
